This #BigGreenWeek we are looking back at the impact of Climate Action Boost grants given to support our grant holders to become more sustainable. We wanted to use the grants to create lasting, positive environmental change, through mentoring and partnership working with organisations such as Sustainable Communities Wales. These grants were funded using Dormant Accounts money which The National Lottery Community Fund administers on behalf of the Welsh Government.  

Since 2020, Climate Action Boost grants helped 12 community buildings become more energy efficient. The groups saw a reduction of between 25% and 73% in running costs of energy used, through investment in insulation and solar panels. For example, Paul Sartori Foundation installed solar panels on their building, the largest independent local charity based in Pembrokeshire, hosting 10 charity shops. 

Climate Action Boost grants helped nine community groups plant trees, grow produce, and encourage biodiversity. Gerddi Bro Ddyfi Gardens planted edible soft fruit bushes and nut trees in community spaces around Machynlleth and the Dyfi Valley to increase biodiversity and to help people engage with the nature in their local community. 

Climate Action Boost grants have enabled 14 community groups to organise activities designed specifically around climate action education. The Centre for African Entrepreneurship delivered a project that raised awareness of the importance of reducing consumption and offered carbon literacy training within black, Asian and other ethnic minority groups – who are often excluded from discussion around climate change. 

Bridges Centre received a Climate Action Boost grant to encourage families to tackle climate change in everyday life by taking part in practical and fun outdoor activities. The Sprout project promoted an ethos of ‘grow, reuse and explore’ with bug house making workshops and gardening kits for each participant. Watch the video to see the impact of the Sprout project. 

Owen Callender from Sustainable Communities Wales said: “Working closely with The National Lottery Community Fund and Renew Wales has revolutionised the support we were able to provide to community groups across Wales –turning dreams and ideas into practical climate action. 

“Organisations that would have struggled to fund carbon-saving improvements have been able to see their ambitions come to life in record time and are already seeing the impact. They are now a real influence across their communities, inspiring others to act.”